New Delhi | December 30, 2025
Severe cold weather combined with dense fog continues to disrupt daily life across North India, significantly affecting road visibility and railway operations. Several long-distance and premium trains, including Vande Bharat Express, Shatabdi Express, and Rajdhani Express services, are running behind schedule, causing inconvenience to passengers.
In response to the fog-induced delays, Indian Railways has issued instructions to senior officials across Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Central Railway to monitor train movements in real time. The focus is on ensuring timely updates and addressing passenger concerns, especially those related to onboard catering and basic services.
Divisional Railway Managers in Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad, Varanasi, and Prayagraj have been directed to maintain constant supervision of train operations and strengthen passenger support arrangements during the ongoing weather disruption.
Premium train services have been particularly impacted due to low visibility conditions. To minimize delays, Railways has decided to deploy additional spare rakes for Vande Bharat and Shatabdi trains, aiming to ensure on-time departures wherever possible.
According to Railway officials, a 20-coach Vande Bharat rake is being used to ensure the timely departure of the New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Express. Another 20-coach rake kept under maintenance by Northern Railway has also been pressed into service for smooth operations on the Varanasi–New Delhi route.
Additionally, Northern Railway is utilizing an extra spare Vande Bharat rake, while one more 20-coach rake is being arranged from West Central Railway. Two air-conditioned rakes are also being prepared with the support of coaches available from East Central Railway and Southern Railway.
Railways said these measures are expected to reduce delays and improve operational efficiency during dense fog conditions.
Passenger comfort remains a key priority. Catering services on spare rakes have been assigned to IRCTC to ensure timely meals and refreshments. Adequate arrangements for onboard housekeeping services (OBHS) and linen supply have also been made to maintain cleanliness and service standards.
To further enhance passenger support, IRCTC has activated a dedicated war room to continuously monitor train operations and promptly resolve catering-related complaints. Officials said the initiative aims to address passenger grievances arising from prolonged delays and service disruptions during extreme winter conditions.
